"I trusted you!" Richard pushed her away.

Raven felt her doubt and fear and anger claw at her skin. "I know."

"You toyed with me, Raven! With my memories!"

"No, I wasn't toying with you." Raven said, knees falling weak.

"I knew something was off. How could you do this to me?" Richard snatched his shirt from the floor where it was crumpled.

"No, no, no. How do you even know all this? The only way you could know is if…" Raven stood up and touched his arm. "If you fell in love with me."

Richard shrugged her hand off him. "And then you betrayed my trust."

"What trust, Richard? You only ever come to Shadow when you break up with someone. I was your secret. I was the one thing you didn't show the world and the only person who put you back together every time someone broke you."

"I still trusted you. And for you to be, this, this monster that manipulated me. That made me forget why my heart started beating faster when I saw you on the street; that made me forget why I came to you, and only you with all of my secrets." Richard's hands fell to his side. "Made me forget why I couldn't feel anything looking at anyone, except you."

Raven took his arm, again, turning him to face her. "I'm sorry."

"I don't even know if I will remember this tomorrow. Or if you're still manipulating me. My feelings." Tears gathered in his eyes, threatening to overflow with each bated breath.

"I can't do that. It's the only way to break the spell. Love. I just never expected you to." Raven hid her face in his chest, arms wrapped loosely around his torso.

Richard's head fell onto her shoulder.

"I didn't want it to be real." He whispered, breath tickling the loose strands of her hair. "I could've taken it by anyone, but not you."

He brought his arms up to encircle her waist, breathing in her scent. Raven could feel his tears roll down her back.

"I couldn't tell you. I didn't want you to see me as the life-sucking demon that I am. I just, wanted you to know the girl on the outside." Raven pulled him even closer, chills running through her skin as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

"I love you."

"I know." Raven ran her lips along the line of his neck.

"Just let me love you. Please. No more secrets." Richard dragged his lips across her skin to her face. "No more lies." He breathed against her lips.

"Don't hate me." Raven said, hands reaching up to his head. "Goodbye, Richard." She whispered against his lips.

Raven couldn't tell whose tears were sliding down her cheeks and staining her clothing.

…

Richard noticed a splitting pain ravaging through his head. He opened his eyes, shielding them from the bright lights with his hand.

He was in his bed, in his room, Bruce and Alfred standing over him.

"You're awake. That's a plus."

Richard needed something. Something just beyond the tips of his fingers.

"Your coffee, Master Richard."

The feeling faded as he slugged his regular morning drink.

Must've been a dream, he thought.

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